Electronic – How to prevent connector from corrosion

connectorcorrosion

I have problem with my water level sensor of washing machine. Its connector corroded at its center terminal.

corrosion in male terminal

corrosion in female connector

  1. Is it true that the corrosion will only occur on the terminal that have negative polarity?
  2. How to prevent this corrosion?
  3. Can you explain more about this?

Best Answer

The corrosion looks like a Copper Salt (Like Copper Chloride). This type of corrosion will only happen in the presence of moisture and a DC current and generally on the negative terminal. (electrolysis) To prevent it, you need to prevent the moisture getting to the connector. This can be done using a plastic tube around the connector with cable ties and some desiccant. You can clean up the damage with some emery paper and methylated spirits. Then give it a spray with a contact cleaner (or WD40) to help displace any remaining moisture.